Armadale’s first GivingBackathon tackles complicated social issues

ARMADALE’S most complicated social issues were on the table at the city’s first GivingBackathon.

More than 50 people divided into teams to take on a social issue and come up with a community-centred solution to ease the problem.

Bedfordale Connect Incoporated was the winning team, with a proposal including a social media solution using young people in Bedfordale to engage with other young people, leading to youth-driven community projects.

Head judge Katie Stubley from the Centre for Social Impact said the solution was simple and could be easily implemented with a significant social impact.

The People’s Choice award went to the Waste Warriors, whose app-based game encouraged kids to change their families’ waste behaviours by collecting rewards for real-world tasks.

City of Armadale Mayor Henry Zelones said the GivingBackathon encouraged local social entrepreneurs to give back to the community.

“They could present a prototype product, service or strategy and it was great so many people were keen to donate their time and ideas to give back to our community,” Mr Zelones said.